Supplementation of chestnut tannins in diets can improve meat quality and antioxidative capability in Hu lambs.

Chestnut tannins (CNT), as a source of hydrolyzable tannins, positively affect the antioxidant status of livestock. In the current study, 90 male Hu lambs were used to investigate the effect of dietary CNT intake on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality and oxidative stability, rumen microbial, and the transcriptomes of muscle and liver. A completely randomized design with three CNT intake levels (0, 0.3%, and 0.6%) was used. Rumen microbial and nutrient digestibility were not significantly altered by CNT intake. Diets with 0.3% CNT intake significantly reduced the shear force, yellowness at 24 h, and C20:2 polyunsaturated fatty acids of lamb meat and malondialdehyde in serum and longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle. Meanwhile, the 0.3% CNT diet significantly increased average daily gain during the 1- 21 days and 64- 90 days, dry matter intake during the 1- 21 days, the slaughter weight, and liver index of lambs. The 0.3% CNT diet significantly increased C26:0 saturated fatty acids, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in LT muscle. The meat shelf life of 0.3% CNT and 0.6% CNT groups was prolonged by 8.7 h and 5.4 h, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that CNT supplementation can induce the expression of antioxidant enzyme gene (CAT, SOD1), and the differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in antioxidant activity, transferase activity, and adenosine triphosphate binding. These results suggest that 0.3% CNT intake can relieve the oxidative stress of lambs, and improve the stability of meat color and meat tenderness, due to the enhanced antioxidative capacity.

Potential Targets and Mechanisms of Jiedu Quyu Ziyin Decoction for Treating SLE-GIOP: Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by poor regulation of the immune response leading to chronic inflammation and multiple organ dysfunction. Glucocorticoid (GC) is currently one of the main treatments. However, a high dose or prolonged use of GC may result in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). Jiedu Quyu Ziyin decoction (JP) is effective in treating SLE and previous clinical studies have proved that JP can prevent and treat SLE steroid osteoporosis (SLE-GIOP). We aim to examine JPs main mechanism on SLE-GIOP through network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods: TCMSP and TCMID databases were used to screen potential active compounds and targets of JP. The SLE-GIOP targets are collected from GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGkb, TTD, and DrugBank databases. R software was used to obtain the cross-targets of JP and SLE-GIOP and to perform GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Cytoscape software was used to make the Chinese Medicines-Active Ingredient-Intersection Targets network diagram. STRING database construct protein-protein interaction network and obtain the core targets. Auto Dock Tools and Pymol software were used for docking. Results: Fifty eight targets overlapped between JP and SLE-GIOP were suggested as potential targets of JP in the treatment of SLE-GIOP. Network topology analysis identified five core targets. GO enrichment analysis was obtained 1,968 items, and the top 10 biological process, closeness centrality, and molecular function were displayed. A total of 154 signaling pathways were obtained by KEGG enrichment analysis, and the top 30 signaling pathways were displayed. JP was well bound by MAPK1, TP53, and MYC according to the molecular docking results. Conclusion: We investigated the potential targets and signaling pathways of JP against SLE-GIOP in this study. It shows that JP is most likely to achieve the purpose of treating SLE-GIOP by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. A solid theoretical foundation will be provided for the future study of clinical and experimental topics.

Correlations of IL-1ß and vitamin D with CAT score in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This study was to analyze the correlations of IL-1ß and vitamin D (VitD) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT) score in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). For this purpose, a total of 65 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated in our hospital between June 2020 and June 2022 were enrolled and assigned to a research group, and 40 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination in our hospital over the same time spanning were enrolled into the control group. The 65 COPD patients were further grouped into a stability group (30 cases) and an exacerbation group (35 cases). The two groups were compared in the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and blood gas indexes (arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2) and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2). The modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC) and the CAT were adopted for evaluation of the stability group and exacerbation group. The correlations of IL-1ß and 25(OH)D with mMRC and CAT scores were analyzed. The diagnostic value of IL-1ß and VitD in patients in different stages was analyzed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results showed that the control group showed greatly lower IL-1ß and PaCO2 levels and higher 25(OH)D and PaO2 levels than the research group (all P<0.05). The stability group got greatly lower mMRC and CAT scores than the exacerbation group (both P<0.05). IL-1ß had positive correlations with mMRC and CAT scores, while 25(OH)D had negative correlations with them (P<0.05). According to ROC curve-based analysis, IL-1ß and 25(OH)D had areas under the curves of 0.814 and 0.583, respectively, in diagnosing the acute exacerbation period, and had specificities of 56.67% and 43.33%, respectively and sensitivities of 97.14% and 74.29%, respectively. In conclusion, patients with COPD have increased IL-1 ß and VitD deficiency, so VitD can be properly supplemented during treatment, and the levels of inflammatory factors should be paid close attention to at all times. IL-1 ß and VitD can be regarded as novel ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of COPD, which may further improve the effect of COPD prevention and treatment.

Clinical control study of traditional Chinese medicine hot compress combined with traction in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: Study protocol.

ABSTRACT: Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is the most common type of cervical spondylosis, accounting for about 60% of the incidence of cervical spondylosis. Both cervical traction and traditional Chinese medicine hot compress are common and effective treatment for CSR. This study will be performed to investigate the effect of a combination of cervical traction and traditional Chinese medicine hot compress on CSR. In this non-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 100 eligible patients will be randomly divided into a treatment group (intermittent cervical traction combines with traditional Chinese medicine hot compress) and a control group (intermittent cervical traction combined with hot compresses). Before and after the intervention, the Visual Analog Scale score, Neck Disability Index score, and 20-score scale of symptoms will be evaluated at baseline and at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. During the treatment period, any signs of acute adverse events, such as paralysis of aggravated pain, nausea, dizzy, and even syncope, will be recorded at each visit. Although intermittent cervical traction and traditional Chinese medicine hot compress have been used in the treatment of CSR in China for many years, there is no consensus on its effectiveness of combination therapy. This experiment will provide convincing evidence of the efficacy of intermittent cervical traction combined with traditional Chinese medicine hot compress in the treatment of CSR.

Clinical study on improving postoperative symptoms of cervical spondylotic myelopathy by Qishe pill.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most serious type of cervical spondylosis, which is often treated surgically in patients with progressive neurological symptoms following ineffective conservative treatment. However, some patients have residual symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and C5 nerve palsy after surgery. The Qishe pill can effectively relieve the symptoms of neck pain and numbness, but there is no evidence showing the efficacy and safety of the Qishe pill in treating symptoms after spinal cord surgery. METHODS/DESIGN: A multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Qishe Pill. A total of 330 patients with CSM who receive surgical treatment will be randomly divided into 2 groups, treated for 12 weeks and with a 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome will be Japanese Orthopaedic Association score from the baseline to 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks after surgery. Secondary outcomes will include Visual Analogue Scale score, Neck Disability Index, and imaging indicators (including magnetic resonance imaging and X-ray). Additionally, adverse reactions will be observed and recorded as safety indicators. DISCUSSION: Although the Qishe pill can effectively improve the discomfort of the neck and upper limbs in clinical applications, there is a lack of clinical research on postoperative patients. This study will investigate the efficacy and safety of the Qishe pill in treating postoperative symptoms of CSM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov ID: ChiCTR1900028173. Registered on 17 December 2019.

A New Co-P Nanocomposite with Ultrahigh Relaxivity for In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Tumor Eradication by Chemo/Photothermal Synergistic Therapy.

Design of new nanoagents that intrinsically have both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic capabilities is highly desirable for personalized medicine. In this work, a novel nanotheranostic agent is fabricated based on polydopamine (PDA)-functionalized Co-P nanocomposites (Co-P@PDA) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided combined photothermal therapy and chemotherapy. The ultrahigh relaxivity of 224.61 mm-1 s-1 can enable Co-P@PDA to be applied as an excellent contrast agent for MRI in vitro and in vivo, providing essential and comprehensive information for tumor clinical diagnosis. Moreover, Co-P@PDA exhibit excellent photothermal performance owing to the strong near-infrared (NIR) absorbance of both Co-P nanocomposite and PDA. Highly effective ablation of tumors is achieved in a murine tumor model because the NIR laser not only induces photothermal effects but also triggers the chemotherapeutic drug on-demand release, which endows the Co-P@PDA with high curative effects but little toxicity and few side effects. These findings demonstrate that Co-P@PDA are promising agents for highly effective and precise antitumor treatment and warrant exploration as novel theranostic nanoagents with good potential for future clinical translation.

Picrotoxane sesquiterpenoids from the stems of Dendrobium nobile and their absolute configurations and angiogenesis effect.

Five picrotoxane sesquiterpenoids belonging to the unusual dendrobine-type (1 and 4) and the picrotoxinin-type (2, 3, and 5) were isolated from the stems of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. Their structures were established by spectroscopic analyses and physical properties. Compound 1 was a new dendrobine analogue. Although the planar structure of 2 and 3 had been reported, their absolute configurations were first determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and circular dichroism. Compound 2 exhibited angiogenesis effect against sunitinib-induced damage on intersegmental blood vessels in Tg (flk1: EGFP) and Tg (fli1: nEGFP) transgenic zebrafish at concentrations of 3.13, 6.25, 12.50, and 25.00µM.

Manganese-catalyzed synthesis of monofluoroalkenes via C-H activation and C-F cleavage.

The manganese-catalyzed α-fluoroalkenylation of arenes via C-H activation and C-F cleavage has been described. This protocol provides a very useful method for the synthesis of monofluoroalkenes with predominant unconventional E-isomer selectivity which complements the existing strategies for the access to these molecular architectures. In addition, the selectivity of ß-defluorination in the catalytic cycle not only determines the configurations of the products but also obviates the use of external oxidants, providing a good example in the exploitation of manganese-catalyzed redox-neutral C-H transformations.

[Treatment of municipal wastewater using the combined reversed A2/O-MBR process].

For the treatment of municipal wastewater, the effects of the reversed A2/O-MBR system on COD, NH4+ -N, TN, TP, SS and transmembrane pressure (TMP) were investigated through two-point feeding. The results indicated that the removal efficiencies for COD and NH4+ -N were high in the system, the effluent met the requirements of the Class A in first grade discharge standard of GB 18918-2002. The effluent TN was < 15 mg x L(-1) when the reflux ratio of nitrification was 200%, whereas the average TP removal rate was 90% after the excessive sludge was removed. The effluent SS was < 10 mg x L(-1) before the large-scale breakage of membrane. The TMP increased gradually with the operation of the system, if the way of aeration was not correct, the TMP would increase quickly. Efficient separation by the membrane contributed to the removal of COD, TP and SS. Because there was no sludge washout in the system, SRT could be properly controlled, it was good for the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and denitrifying bacteria which both have long life-cycle. Even if the inflow was increased to 1.5 fold, the effluent quality was good when the sludge concentration was increased to 6500 mg x L(-1).

[Extraction, purification and identification of type II collagen from Agkistrodon acutus].

The object of the research was to extract, purify and identify the type II collagen of Agkistrodon acutus. Type II collagen of A. acutus was extracted by enzyme decomposition method, and purified by ion exchange column chromatography. It was characterized by SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, ultraviolet spectrophotometry, infrared absorption spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. The results showed that the size of C II was about 130 kDa. It absorbed at 223 nm. IR spectrum obtained showed that the triple helical domains of amino-acid sequences were characterized by the repetition of triplets Gly-X-Y. The MS spectrum graphically stated that C II extracted from cow and A. acutus have the similar peptides. The C II of A. acutus was obtained by extraction and purification. Appraisal analysis by SDS-PAGE, UV, IR and MS, C II of A. acutus was consistent with the standard C II of cow. It was proved that the extracted protein was C II.

[Study on intervention effect of Jieduquyuziyin prescription systemic lupus erythematosus by HPLC-Q-TOF/MS].

To establish a metabonomic method based on high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF/MS), in order to study the changes in serum metabolites of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mice after treatment of Jieduquyuziyin prescription, the pathogenesis of SLE and mechanism of drug action. The orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) was applied for the pattern recognition of experimental data, finding a significant difference in the control group, the SLE model group, the Jieduquyuziyin prescription-treated group and the prednisone acetate-treated group. According to the OPLS load diagram, 12 differential metabolites, including traumatic acid, PAF, 12 (S)-HEPE, 15(S)-HETrE and Hepoxilin B3 were identified by using accurate mass combined with MS/MS data After treatment with Jieduquyuziyin prescription, the relative contents of PAF, 12 (S)-HETE were close to the level of the control group. According to the analysis on metabolic pathway, SLE could cause significant changes in unsaturated fatty acid and amino acid metabolism pathway, while Jieduquyuziyin prescription has a effect in regulating disorder of unsaturated fatty acid metabolism pathway.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of Salsola collina].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Salsola collina. METHODS: The compounds were isolated by column chromatography, and their structures were identified by physical and chemical properties and spectral data. RESULTS: Seven compounds were isolated and identified as n-lignoceric acid (1), n-dotriacontanic acid (2), beta-sitosterol (3), 5, 2'-dihydroxy-6, 7-methylenedioxy-isoflavone (4), vanillic acid (5), (-)syringaresinol 4,4'-bis-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), salicylic acid (7). CONCLUSION: The compounds of 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 are isolated from the plant for the first time.

[Studies on the alkaloids from Salsola collina Pall].

AIM: To study the chemical constituents of Salsola collina Pall.. METHODS: Compounds were isolated by silica gel column chromatography. IR, MS, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, HMQC, HMBC, DEPT were used for the structural identification. RESULTS: Two amide alkaloids were obtained. They were identified as N-transferuloyl-3-methyldopamine (I), (10bS)-1,2,3,5,6, 10b-hexahydropyrrolo [2,1-a]-8,9-dihydroxyisoquinoline-3-one (II). CONCLUSION: Compound I was isolated from this genus for the first time. Compound II is a new compound named salsoline A.

[A new lignan glycoside from the flower of Castanea mollissima Blume].

AIM: To study the bioactive constituents of the flower of Castanea mollissima Blume. METHODS: Compounds were isolated and purified by column chromatography of silica gel and TLC. Structures were determined by various spectroscopic data, including IR, 1HNMR and 13CNMR, EIMS, FABMS and HMBC as well as comparison of the data with those reported in literatures. RESULTS: Five compounds were isolated and elucidated as myricetin (I), quercetin (II), gallic acid (III), 4-quinolinone-2-caboxylic acid (IV), (+) -isolariciresinol-9'-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside (V). CONCLUSION: These compounds were separated from the flower for the first time and compound V is a new compounds, named chestnutlignansoide.

[Two new flavonoids from the flower of Castanea mollissima Blume].

AIM: To study the bioactive constituents from the flower of Castanea mollissima Blume. METHODS: Compounds were isolated and purified by column chromatography on silica gel and polyamide. Structures were determined by various spectroscopic data,including UV, IR, 1H and 13CNMR, EIMS and FABMS, 1H-13C-COSY and HMBC. RESULTS: Two compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of 95% ethanol extract and the structures were elucidated as kaempferol-3-O-[6"-(E)-p-coumaroyl]-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (1) and kaempferol-3-O-[6", 4"-di-(E)-p-coumaroyl]-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (2). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1 and 2 are new compounds, named castanoside A and B respectirely.